February 18, 2024|Game School
Are you looking to add some science games to your Gameschool or Family Game Night? Introduce some fun to your child’s learning and watch them develop and understand advanced science concepts. Here are some award winning language arts games that are favorites of both kids and parents.
Photosynthesis – Teaches about the life cycle of trees and the importance of sunlight in the ecosystem.
Review of Photosynthesis Game Ages 8+
Title: Photosynthesis Board Game
Review:
Photosynthesis is a refreshing and innovative board game that brings the beauty of nature to the gaming table. Designed for two to four players, this game offers a unique blend of strategy and thematic gameplay centered around the life cycle of trees. The objective is simple yet profound: players plant and nurture their trees, aiming to harvest the most light points through their life cycle, from seedling to full bloom and eventual rebirth.
The game’s components are visually stunning, with rich, colorful illustrations that bring the forest to life. The three-dimensional trees add a tactile and visually appealing aspect to the game, enhancing the overall experience. The quality of the materials is top-notch, ensuring that the game will endure many play throughs.
Gameplay is a delicate balance of strategy and foresight. Players must think ahead as they position their trees on the hexagonal board to capture sunlight, which is the currency for further growth. The sun rotates around the board, changing the dynamics of light and shadow, which directly affects the growth of the trees. This mechanic beautifully mimics the real-world challenge plants face in competing for sunlight.
The rules are straightforward, making it easy for newcomers to pick up the game. However, the strategic depth is significant, as players must consider the timing of growth, the positioning of new seeds, and the potential to block opponents’ light. Photosynthesis offers a great mix of accessibility for casual players and complexity for those seeking a more challenging experience.
Educationally, the game is a subtle nod to the importance of understanding ecosystems and the role of plants in our environment. It’s a smart way to introduce the concept of photosynthesis and ecological balance in a fun and engaging way.
Overall, Photosynthesis is a breath of fresh air in the board game world, combining beautiful design with thoughtful, strategic gameplay. It’s a game that not only entertains but also enlightens, making it a valuable addition to any board game collection. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a strategic thinker, or just looking for a new game to enjoy with friends and family, Photosynthesis
Cytosis: A Cell Biology Game – A game that educates on cell biology and how cells function.
Review of Cytosis Game Ages 10+
Cytosis: A Cell Biology Game is a worker placement game that takes place inside a human cell. Players take on the roles of cellular workers, such as enzymes, receptors, and hormones, and compete to build the most health points through various cellular processes. The game is designed by John Coveyou and published by Genius Games, which specializes in creating science-themed board games that are both educational and entertaining.
The components of Cytosis are of high quality, with clear and thematic artwork that helps to immerse players in the cell biology theme. The game board represents the interior of a cell, including the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and other organelles. Players place their worker pieces on these organelles to gather resources like mRNA, ATP, and carbohydrates, or to perform actions such as protein synthesis, receptor activation, or detoxification.
One of the standout features of Cytosis is its educational value. The game is designed to be scientifically accurate, which makes it a great tool for teaching concepts of cell biology in a fun and engaging way. Players learn about the functions of different cell components and the basics of cellular processes while they strategize to win the game.
The gameplay of Cytosis is deep and strategic, yet it remains accessible to players who might not have a strong science background. The rules are well-written and easy to follow, allowing both gamers and non-gamers to quickly get into the game. The worker placement mechanics are familiar to fans of the genre but are given a fresh twist with the scientific theme.
Cytosis typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and is suitable for 2 to 5 players, making it a great choice for family game nights or educational settings. The game also includes a solo play variant, which is a nice addition for those who enjoy playing alone or want to practice their strategies.
In terms of replayability, Cytosis offers a good amount of variety. The game includes several different event cards and goals that change from game to game, ensuring that no two playthroughs are exactly the same. The competition for resources and the timing of certain actions can also lead to a dynamic play experience each time.
Overall, Cytosis is a well-crafted game that successfully combines education with entertainment. It’s a must-try for board game enthusiasts looking for something unique, as well as educators seeking a fun way to introduce cell biology to students.
Evolution – A game that helps players understand how animals adapt to their environment.
Review of Evolution Game
Ages 12+
“Evolution” is a strategy board game that simulates the process of natural selection and adaptation of species. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players and typically takes around 60 minutes to play. Players create and adapt their own species in a dynamic ecosystem where food is scarce and predators lurk. The goal is to survive and thrive by evolving various traits that will help your species outcompete others for food and protect them from predators.
The game begins with each player starting with a single species board and a small hand of trait cards. As the game progresses, players can use these cards to add traits to their species, such as a long neck to reach food others can’t, or camouflage to protect from predators. They can also increase the population and body size of their species, which can provide advantages but also require more food to survive.
One of the key mechanics of “Evolution” is the watering hole, which is the central board where food tokens are placed. The amount of food available each round is uncertain, which adds a layer of strategy as players must anticipate the needs of their own species while also keeping an eye on the competition.
The trait cards are the heart of the game’s strategy. Each card can be used in multiple ways: as a trait to evolve a species, to increase a species’ population or body size, or to contribute to the food in the watering hole. This multi-use aspect of the cards requires players to make strategic decisions that balance the immediate needs of their species with long-term survival.
The game ends after a number of rounds, and the winner is the player who has accumulated the most points through feeding their species, accumulating population, and collecting trait cards.
“Evolution” is praised for its educational value as well as its strategic depth. It’s accessible enough for families to enjoy, but also offers enough complexity to keep seasoned gamers engaged. The artwork and components are typically highly regarded, contributing to an immersive experience that both entertains and informs about the principles of evolution.
Overall, “Evolution” is a well-received game that combines educational themes with engaging gameplay. It’s a game that encourages players to think critically and adapt to ever-changing conditions, much like species must do in the natural world.
Planet – A game that helps players understand geography, ecosystems, biodiversity, animal habitats, strategy, and critical thinking.
Review of Planet Board Game
Ages 8+
“Planet” is a board game designed by Urtis Šulinskas and published by Blue Orange Games. It is an educational and family-friendly game that incorporates elements of strategy and puzzle-solving. The game is suitable for ages 8 and up and can be played by 2 to 4 players, with each game lasting about 30 to 45 minutes.
Educational Value:
Geography and Environment: “Planet” provides an excellent opportunity for players to learn about different biomes and the types of animals that inhabit them. As players create their unique planet by attaching magnetic tiles representing oceans, deserts, mountains, forests, and ice, they gain insights into how different environments are formed and how they can affect the wildlife that lives there.
Ecosystems and Biodiversity: The game encourages players to think about biodiversity and the importance of varied habitats. By trying to create the most diverse planet, players learn about the concept of ecosystems and the need for a balance between different life forms. This can lead to discussions about real-world issues such as habitat destruction and conservation.
Strategy and Planning: “Planet” requires players to think ahead and plan their moves carefully. The strategic element of the game teaches players to consider the consequences of their actions, a skill that is transferable to many real-life situations, including environmental planning and resource management.
Spatial Awareness and Geometry: As players manipulate the 3D planet core and attach the tiles, they develop their spatial reasoning skills. Understanding how shapes fit together and visualizing the finished planet can also provide a basic introduction to geometry.
Animal Habitats and Adaptations: Each animal card in the game is associated with a specific type of habitat. Players must create suitable environments to attract these animals to their planet. This aspect of the game can teach players about different species and how they have adapted to their habitats.
Competition and Cooperation: While “Planet” is a competitive game, it also encourages players to observe and learn from each other’s strategies. This can foster a cooperative learning environment where players discuss and share knowledge about different strategies and environmental concepts.
Critical Thinking and Decision Making: Throughout the game, players must make decisions about which tiles to place where, and which animals they should try to win. These decisions require critical thinking and can help players develop decision-making skills.
In conclusion, “Planet” is an engaging board game with significant educational value.